Summer's a blast-unless you're a rabbit.

While we're lounging in front of fans and sipping something icy, our floppy-eared friends are often struggling in silence. Rabbits are built for cooler weather, and once the temperature creeps above 85°F (29°C), they're at serious risk of heat stress or even heatstroke.

And let's be honest: with all that fluff, they can't exactly strip down for the season.

Why Heat Is Such a Big Deal for Bunnies

In the wild, rabbits have a smart strategy: they burrow underground, where it stays cool no matter how hot it gets outside. Domestic rabbits, on the other hand, rely on us to help them beat the heat. That makes us their personal A/C units-and the stakes are high.

Overheating in rabbits can come on quickly. You might notice them breathing fast, lying stretched out more than usual, or acting sluggish and unresponsive. Their ears may feel hot to the touch, and in severe cases, they may even drool or collapse.

If that happens, it's a bunny emergency-get them into a cool area immediately and call your vet.

Indoors, Outdoors, and Doing Your Best

We always recommend keeping rabbits indoors when possible. It's easier to manage their environment, keep temperatures stable, and protect them from predators and pests. That said, we know not everyone can keep their bunny inside 24/7. Outdoor hutches and backyard playtime are part of real life for many pet owners.

The key is making sure your rabbit has a safe, comfortable shelter that works for your space and lifestyle. Look for something weather-resistant, easy to clean, and well-ventilated-like our New Age Pet ECOFLEX® Rabbit Enclosures, which are great for both indoor and outdoor use and help make temperature control a little easier no matter where your bunny lives.

Keeping Things Cool (Literally)

Start with shade. Not just a little shade-all-day, no-direct-sun kind of shade. That might mean placing the hutch under a large tree, adding a sun-blocking tarp, or creating a shaded hideaway they can retreat to.

Then, think about airflow. Rabbits can't sweat, so ventilation is key. A gentle, battery-operated fan (kept well out of reach) can help move the air around. You can even freeze water bottles and place them in the hutch-bunnies love to lounge against them like personal ice packs.

Don't forget hydration. Fresh, clean water is a must, and on hot days, adding ice cubes or serving up water-rich veggies like cucumber or romaine lettuce can make hydration more fun.

Some bunnies enjoy flopping on cool surfaces like ceramic tiles or slabs of frozen marble. Others love digging in cool, damp soil-so a shady dig box can be a major hit. And always try to plan playtime in the early morning or late evening when the sun's a bit more forgiving.

Keep Cool and Hop On

At the end of the day, your rabbit relies on you to help them thrive-even when the sun is blazing. With a little creativity and a lot of care, you can turn even the hottest summer days into safe, chill times for your bunny buddy.

Because nothing beats a healthy, happy, and hoppily relaxed rabbit.